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Grosse Ile generational rite of passage is complete; The entire fifth grade from Meridian Elementary attended the YMCA Storer Camp in Jackson, Michigan from Tuesday morning Nov. 7 to Friday afternoon Nov. 10.

They came back with more than just memories of a fun group experience, camping on Stony Lake. They now share a bond with each other and legions of Grosse Ile kids who went to camp before them.

Normally, the fifth grade camp trip is held in the spring, but this year for the first time the fall dates were chosen SEE HAPPY, Page 6

Page 2 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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Page 4 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Steps you can take to still reduce your taxes in 2023

BY ROB BOVITZ CPA As the end of the year approaches, now’s a good time to think about steps you can take to reduce your 2023 federal taxes.

Heading into an election year, a lot of Congressional attention is focused on things other than passing new tax legislation. If tax legislation occurs after next year’s November election, any changes will most likely be prospective.

Here are some things to think about doing before the end of 2023.

BUNCHING ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS You can deduct the greater of your itemized deductions (mortgage interest, charitable contributions, medical expenses, and state and local taxes) or the standard deduction. The 2023 standard deduction is $13,850 for singles and married individuals filing separately (MFS), $27,700 for married couples filing jointly (MFJ), and $20,800 for heads of household (HOH).

If your total itemized deductions for 2023 will be close to the standard deduction, time your itemized deduction items between now and year-end.

“Bunch” your itemized deductions so they exceed your standard deduction every other year.

MANAGE INVESTMENT GAINS AND LOSSES Sometimes, it makes tax sense to sell appreciated securities that have been held for over 12 months.

The federal income tax rate on longterm capital gains recognized in 2023 is only 15 percent for most individuals, but it can reach the maximum 20 percent rate at higher income levels. The 3.8 percent Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) can also apply at higher income levels. Even so, the highest tax rate on long-term capital gains (23.8 percent) is still far less than the 37 percent maximum tax rate on ordinary income.

And, to the extent you have capital losses that were recognized earlier this year or capital loss carryovers from earlier years, those losses may absorb any additional tax if you decide to sell stocks at a gain this year.

MAKE YOUR CHARITABLE GIVING PLANS Donate appreciated assets that were held for over a year. If you give such assets to a public charity, you can deduct the full fair market value of the donated asset while avoiding the tax you would have paid had you sold the asset and donated the cash to the charity.

Charitable gifts of appreciated property to a private nonoperating foundation are generally only deductible to the extent of your basis in the asset. There’s an exception for qualified appreciated stock (publicly traded stock), which can qualify for a deduction equal to its fair market value if it’s donated to a private nonoperating foundation.

If you are married, you and your spouse can elect to gift split, so that a gift that either one of you makes is considered to be made one half by each spouse.

CONVERT TRADITIONAL IRAS INTO ROTH ACCOUNTS Converting makes the most sense when you expect to be in the same or higher tax bracket during your retirement years. If that turns out to be true, the current tax hit from a conversion this year could be a relatively small price to pay for completely avoiding potential higher future tax rates on the accounts’ postconversion earnings.

EMPLOYING FAMILY MEMBERS Employing family members can be a useful strategy to reduce overall tax liability. If the family member is a bona fide employee, the taxpayer can deduct the wages and benefits, including medical benefits, paid to the employee on Schedule C or F as a business expense, thus reducing the proprietor’s self-employment tax liability. In addition, wages paid to your child under the age of 18 are not subject to federal employment taxes, will be deductible at your marginal tax rate, are taxable at the child’s marginal tax rate, and can be offset by up to $13,850 (your child’s maximum standard deduction for 2023).

However, your family member must be a bona fide employee, and basic business practices, such as keeping time reports, filing payroll returns, and basing

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GIFT TAX EXCLUSION The annual gift exclusion allows for tax-free gifts that don’t count toward your lifetime gifting exemption.

For 2023, you can make annual exclusion gifts up to $17,000 per done, with no limit on the number of donees.

IF YOU OWN A BUSINESS, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING STRATEGIES. Establish a Tax-favored Retirement Plan If your business doesn’t already have a retirement plan, now might be the time to take the plunge. Current retirement plan rules allow for significant deductible contributions. Contact us for more information on small business retirement plan options, and be aware that if your business has employees, you may have to cover them.

pay on the actual work performed, should be followed.

DEPRECIATION For qualifying property placed in service in tax years beginning in 2023, the maximum allowable Section 179 deduction is 1.16 million. Most types of personal property used for business are eligible for Section 179 deductions, and off-the-shelf software costs are eligible too.

Section 179 deductions also can be claimed for qualified expenditures for roofs, HVAC equipment, fire protection and alarm systems, and security systems for nonresidential real property. To qualify, these items must be placed in service after the nonresidential building. has been placed in service.

YEAR-END BONUSES Year-end bonuses can be timed for tax effect. Cash basis taxpayers should pay bonuses before year-end to maximize the deduction available in 2023 if they expect to be in the same or lower tax bracket next year. Cash basis taxpayers that expect to be in a higher tax bracket in 2024, due to revenue increases, should wait to pay year-end bonuses until January.

This letter only covers some of the year-end tax planning moves that could potentially benefit you, your family, and your business. Please contact us if you have questions, want more information, or would like us to help in designing a year-end planning package that delivers the best tax results for your particular circumstances.

GROSSE ILE GRAND

December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 5

FROM THE TOWNSHIP

Seasons greetings from your township officials This time of the year is not for issues and disagreement, but for appreciation and being thankful for all we have in our lives.

I’ve asked all our Board members and managers to express their thoughts to the residents of the island. Those who wished to express their thoughts are as follows: ••••• A very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you, the residents of Grosse Ile. Part of the beauty of this time of the year is we can take a breath and stop to appreciate our family and friends and all the blessings we have. Certainly, one of those blessings is our community.

Grosse Ile is a wonderful place to live.

My wife and I hope you and your families have a wonderful, fun filled Holiday season. Enjoy and be thankful.

And a very Happy New Year to you all. ~ Jim Budny, Township Supervisor •••••

From all of us at the Grosse Ile Recreation Department, we would like to wish all of our amazing island residents a very happy holiday season! ~ Zaid Beeai, Recreation Director

••••• Seasons Greetings to all Grosse Ile residents.

With the turmoil and strife around the world. This Christmas season should be a time to be thankful for the peace and serenity we enjoy in our community.

Along with the staff in the Treasurer’s office, I want to wish all of you and your families a joyous and happy Christmas holiday. We hope that you have a safe and prosperous New Year in 2024 ~ David Nadeau, Township Treasurer ••••• Wishing the Grosse Ile community a joyful and festive holiday season!

May this time be filled with warmth, laughter, and the company of loved ones. May the spirit of the holidays

bring you peace, happiness, and cherished moments.

Happy Holidays Grosse Ile! ~ Bryan C. Friel, MiPMC Deputy Clerk | Communications Administrator

••••• I’d like to wish anyone reading this a happy holiday season. Grosse Ile is an incredible place to live and be connected to. I pray and will continue to act that we may keep it that way for many years to come. Peace and good will to us all. ~ Kyle de Beausset, Grosse Ile Township Trustee ••••• During this time of year when we reflect and give thanks for all that we are blessed with, I would like to extend a sincere thank all the Township’s residents and specifically volunteers for making Grosse Ile Township one of the best communities in Southeast Michigan.

Your spirit of community has never

been more evident and continually supports the attractiveness of Grosse Ile as a wonderful place to live, work and recreate.

On behalf of my family and all of the dedicated Grosse Ile Township employees, I would like to wish the residents of Grosse Ile a Merry Christmas and sincerest wishes for a great holiday season. ~ Derek Thiel, Township Manager and DPS Director ••••• Of all the things we, as a community, have done this year, I am most proud of the Gibraltar Bay Connector Trail, which was partially facilitated by the generous donation of the Byers family, in memory of their daughter Addie. I look forward to continuing to serve you in 2024.

Merry Christmas. ~ Jamison Yager, Grosse Ile Township Trustee

Page 6 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

HAPPY

Continued from page 1 and the campers were blessed with exceptionally beautiful weather. For many, this was the first time they were away from family or friends overnight for any extended period of time.

On arrival, they were divided into groups of a dozen or so in their assigned bunk house, accompanied by their high school student counselors. While they may have had a friend with them in their rooming assignments, the challenge of “learning to live with others” became very real, and a part of their personal growth.

And, that’s one of the goals.

Meridian Principal Nicole Garza explains, “Grosse Ile schools have had tremendous success throughout the years in the 5th grade camp. Our camp tradition not only enhances our

GROSSE ILE GRAND

educational standards, but strengthens interpersonal relationships, promotes independence, and instills critical values in our students as they actively participate in outdoor experiences.”

One of the continuing challenges for the campers was Zero Waste in the mess hall.

Throughout the day, the uneaten food from the plates is weighed and the goal is to achieve zero waste.

Fifth grader, Chace Wojtkowiak was excited saying, “We got zero waste, not just once, but four times! It was so cool that we were the first group of Grosse Ile students to get zero waste.”

Besides giving new meaning to “cleaning their plates,” students participated in horseback riding, archery, rock wall climbing, shelter and fire building, broomball, square dancing, egg drop competitions and the game SEE CAMPERS, Page 7

GROSSE ILE GRAND

CAMPERS

Continued from page 6 predator and prey.

Camper Kellen O’Donnell said, “Fifth grade camp was way better than I expected! It was fun being away with my classmates. My favorite part was when we played predator and prey. I loved being able to run around in the woods. I am so glad I went and was able to experience the same camp that my Dad went to when he was in 5th grade.”

Emerson Gandee expressed her excitement saying, “Fifth grade camp was amazing! The camp activities were lots of fun, and our cabin leaders were great!

They made everyone feel an important part of the team. Camp taught me how to be more responsible and how we can work together to meet our goals.”

Isaak Papp and his hockey-playing cabin mates found instant common ground with their high school counselors who happened to be on the Grosse Ile

December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 7

varsity hockey team.

The mutual respect and camaraderie carried over after camp, as the future lamplighters attended their newfound heroes’ home opener and cheered them on to a Red Devil victory!

Principal Garza praised her fifth-graders and all who made the camp a great experience, “Our students and families look forward to this every year and we would not be able to have this opportunity without our teachers and our high school students who look forward to coming back as cabin leaders.”

A big shout-out goes to 5th grade teachers: Derek Kruslemsky, Larissa Danz, Alexandria Harder, and Alexandria Davis, as well as support staff, Carrie Batz.

Also, campers’ medical needs were provided by parents who are certified nurses, Annette Frendo and Rachel Rothe.

Both the teachers and principal had great things to say about the high school camp counselors who served as cabin leaders.

Mr. Kruslemsky said, “These are a group of outstanding young leaders. They were kind, compassionate, and great role models for our kids.

There was some real chemistry between them and many of them could relate to our fifth graders since they, too attended the same camp when they were in elementary school.”

Kudos go to high school students: Monica Arndt (junior), Leah Bouwman (senior), Jack Calcut (senior), Joey Christnagel (junior), Claire Coleman (junior), Ann Dame (senior), Sofia Frendo (senior), Cole Gilbert (junior), Addie Gurney (senior), Fisher Gurney (senior), Madelynn McNeil (senior), Benjamin Rhodehouse (junior), Alexandra Stefan (senior), Ben Steffke (junior), Arnav Verma (senior), and Gavin Worsley (senior).

Since the fifth grade camp was held in the fall to great success, the Meridian staff is planning on future events, cross pollinating fifth graders with their mentor students from the high school.

And, the cycle carries on ...

Page 8 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

GROSSE ILE GRAND

GROSSE ILE GRAND

December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 9

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Page 10 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

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December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 11

VFW-sponsored Patriot’s Pen winners are announced

BY DAVID DYER

Batz

Anelronic

Longton

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7310 recently announced the winners of the Post’s Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest.

This is a VFW sponsored essay writing contest open to all registered students in grades 6 through 8. There are four levels of competition beginning with the local VFW Post.

From there the winners advance to the district level, then the state level and finally to Washington DC where the National winner is announced and is presented with a check for $5,000.

There are monetary and other awards presented at each level.

This year’s theme announced by the VFW National Headquarters is “How are you inspired by America?”

Students must write an essay of not less than 300 or more than 400 words.

This year’s local winners announced by our Post 7310 are: 1st Place – Emma Batz – 8th Grade: Awarded: $100.

2nd Place – Joshua Anelronic – 8th Grade: Awarded: $50.

3rd Place - Chloe Longton – 7th Grade: Awarded: $50.

We wish them all our best at the District Level which will be announced at a banquet held in their honor on Jan. 6, 2024.

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Page 12 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 13

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

Christmas with Dickens

Charity event to support needy at holiday time

BY BILL STEVENSON AND THE GHOST FROM CHRISTMAS PAST And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge.

May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!” ~ Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol If you missed some of the holiday festivities earlier in the month of December, on the eve of Christmas Eve – Dec. 23, folks from near and far can enjoy an evening of entertainment and in the meantime “know how to keep Christmas well,” by helping those less fortunate during the holiday season.

A “Christmas with Dickens” will be offered at seven o’clock that evening at historic St. James Episcopal chapel.

About to re-don “the Inimitable” top hat this year, “Mr. Dickens” allows that the cause underlying his performance will be the weekend food program in partnership with the Grosse Ile Township Schools which is designed to help alleviate childhood hunger on Grosse Ile. According to Mary Ann Danville, coordinator of the program, “Every Friday a delivery of healthy, prepackaged food is sent home with needy students who are identified by school principals as food insecure.

The students remain anonymous to us, and we hope to expand this program to more needy families. Again and with the goal of “raising funds as well as consciousness,” “Mr. Dickens” believes that 2023 reflects the axiom “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”

And as in 1843 when the Dickensian classic A Christmas Carol was created, need in many social forms existed-particularly among youth.

The legendary author created the immortal Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, and Ebenezer Scrooge, a part of his own “modern” world as he saw children without hope or sustenance. That fact had been made plain to Dickens on a visit to one of the “ragged schools” of London, where boys and girls were given hope, spiritual aid and just enough food to send them back out onto

Dickens the busy London streets.

While life today and here on Grosse Ile is nothing like Victorian London, there is need – and of a sort that it affects a number of our island’s school children.

As he has done now going on three decades,”Mr. Dickens” Dec. 23 holiday program at St. James will include music, poetry, Yuletide customs, treats and a special reading of a portion of the legendary Carol, just as its author also delivered it to countless audiences.

The performance is being presented by the Vestry of St. James Episcopal Church, in tandem with its Men’s and ECW Groups. A free will offering is suggested. All the proceeds from “Christmas with Dickens” will go to the weekend food program.

“Mr. Dickens” elaborates, “Over the years we’ve sought to call attention to wherever need exists among us – whether such a cause might be an animal shelter, food bank, soup kitchen, or Toys For Tots.

“Our special 30th Anniversary occasion will seek to assist our educational endeavors to provide nutrition to our younger citizenry.

The weekend food program falls well within Charles Dickens’s belief that at this special time of the year ‘when need and want are most keenly felt,’ the aspiration to make a difference finds the perfect moment. Adding to that, what better way to celebrate the arrival of the holiday than with Charles Dickens?”

And why do I try to help, Dickens was once asked.

His reply was simple: “Because they need help. And I need to give it.”

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December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 17

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■ Will – letter of intent of where you want your personal property to go – or not go.

■ Living Will – Documents your wishes during your final days including final healthcare choices and possibly your burial wishes.

■ Trust – This is a “company” that you start, and you become the CEO, “Trustee” and “Settlor.” The company outlives you, but continues to manage your assets as if you were alive by the successor CEO – whom you designate.

■ Power of Attorney – Financial and Healthcare – you need both – the first so someone can pay your bills, the second, sometimes called a Patient Advocate, designates someone to make “hallway at the hospital” decisions to take the stress off the family.

■ Ladybird Deed – probably the best thing that has happened to owning a home. I love these deeds – you grant yourself a life estate – in your own property - but retain the power to sell or borrow against the property. If you do not sell before you pass, this “springs” the house out of your estate, and your heirs have instant ownership, subject to any mortgage or taxes owed or similar.

Again, this is just a general description of the more popular terms – no one choice is a “silver bullet” but depending on how your estate gets planned out you can expedite a clean and clear process for the assets you worked a lifetime to save.

Why wouldn’t you want to do that? Stop by or call and make an appointment and I’ll tell you what you’re going to need to do this right.

To my numerous former clients – thank you for allowing me to draft your estate plan!

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Page 18 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

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December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 19

Simply “Sharing the cheer” is the best A photograph of Winkleman’s women’s clothing store in Downtown Detroit showed up on Facebook recently. Of course, it ignited a train of thought for me.

Winkleman’s was one of the competitive driving forces of Willow Tree in the 1970s. Along with Gantos, they were watched carefully by PETER my parents as they ROSE grew Willow Tree from a basement segment of Chelsea (in the basement that soon became The Downunder Shop) to a full-fledged operation that they grew to a 16-store chain before market forces contributed heavily to a period of retraction in the 1990s that ultimately brought us back to our single, original store, along with Chelsea (which reached a total of seven stores in Metro Detroit during the same period of time.

Hindsight isn’t exactly 20/20. I guess if one could sit here today and look back, understanding everything that happened that contributed to the sea change in the consumer realm of the United States economy and looking forward to charting a course with one’s past and accurate vision of the future, one might have a chance. I don’t have that capacity, but I can look back and analyze what happened to my company and thousands of others across the nation.

I’ve processed my stream of consciousness with writings for 6 ½ years now. I don’t wallow, but I do hash it over in my head, trying to make sure my take on things is accurate. I don’t

CHEESE!

feel sorry for myself, for instance; I feel sorrow about what happened to America over the course of my nearly 52-year career.

I happened to be in the same crosshairs that destroyed over a century of real retail, and I can’t let it go because that experience informs where we go from here.

Not just Chelsea and Willow Tree, but all retail. It’s important to not shy away from how bad things became, not so I can bemoan it, but strategize for the short- and long-term future.

I’ve told you about many experiences of shopping at independent stores, from various towns I visit in my travels for business and pleasure. I’ve shared positive impressions and rushes of discovery that we don’t get when we shop at national options. I’ve talked with a lot of store owners, seeking perspectives that may differ from mine, but that can help me understand more, and therefore be able to explain more to you and others I encounter.

Mind you, the vast majority of people that are in my stores are just that: In my stores, shopping locally.

For these good folks, my mission is not to cajole them to “shop local”. What I want them to hear is the tangential aspects that they may not focus on.

The ripple effect, the echo shopping that happens with the same dollars they spend at one locally owned store. It’s no joke, it’s no small thing.

Independent business owners are generally on the same page as I am, expressing the sentiment that they just don’t spend money and national chains or online. That means that for each one that feels that way, very little money

leaves the state as cash taken in and profitability are sent to the headquarters elsewhere.

My wife Janelle and I took a circuitous route on a return trip from Lansing for the showing of one of our brands for (ack) Fall, 2024. It was too late to go back to Willow Tree and Chelsea, so we took our time, driving smaller roads through many small towns. The last one we stopped at was Milan.

Now, Milan has a much smaller downtown than Wyandotte or even Trenton’s original area on Jefferson.

But they’ve done a very good job of banding together to create a quaint twoblock area where there are no lighted store signs, just “old-town” stick out signs, all the same general theme with personal variances. We stopped in to one, nosed around and bought some Christmas decorations that we had wanted to find but hadn’t thought of Milan for getting them.

As we were leaving, we told the owner that we’re retailers that seek out indie shopping areas and shops in particular. With fondness, she made sure we knew to check out a few specific shops before we left town, shops that were unique and interesting and special.

What is that worth? We did do that, and we did spend more money in Milan as a result.

That happens here as well. It’s what we do all the time, and it’s what our neighboring businesses do as well.

Each one of us is a “brand” ambassador for the Wyandotte brand, and for other indie shops and restaurants in our entire Downriver area.

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Do you think anyone at national chains does that?

We don’t expect pats on the back, that misses the point altogether. It makes us happy to say nice things about other independent businesses. Not just me and Janelle, but most of our fellow business owners, everywhere we go.

Spending money with any of us often results in the spending of more money at other local businesses.

Christmas time in particular is a time for spreading cheer. Indies love our businesses and love talking to people, love sharing, love taking advice and giving advice for where to go next. All of us believe in the power of personal touch, and shared experiences.

Shopping for Christmas gifts is supposed to feel warm and joyful, and independent stores make sure our visitors feel that way about their trip to our own quirky stores and the fact that they got nice, neighborly treatment and advice while they were with us.

After 52 years of plying this trade, I still get a lot of satisfaction from doing what I do as well as I can. Of always trying to find the weak links in my shops; Of laughing with people, letting them take a moment to truly enjoy their shopping time with a store owner that says Thank You and means it.

I’m not unique among indie operators, you all know that. But I like being among that good company. We all share the cheer; it’s what we do.

Thank you to those that know why I’m thanking them. To all of the rest of you (there must be several dozen out there), I invite you to come visit and find out why your neighbors do.

Merry Christmas, friends.

Would you like to see a picture of your pet in one of our monthly community newspapers?

We can make it happen.

Just send a photo of your pet, along with your name and the city you live in and we will get it published. Send information to Sherry@gobigmultimedia.com and we will do the rest. Thank you and have a grrrrreat and purrrrrfect day!

Page 20 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

GROSSE ILE GRAND

GROSSE ILE GRAND

December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 21

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Page 22 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Katie Molnar All-State – again!

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Grosse Ile multi-sport star takes bronze in diving

BY BILL STEVENSON For Grosse Ile High School athlete Kaitlin Molnar the results of the equation “2 x 2 =” are very different than for others.

The senior diver competed at the MHSAA Division 3 Diving Championship at Oakland University’s Aquatic Center on Nov. 17-18. She came away with a third place, bronze medal, adding to her historic prep career.

Last year, Molnar became the first state champion in diving in Grosse Ile or the Downriver area – ever. Male or female.

This past spring, she won the Division 2 long jump with a school record leap of 18’5.75”, improving on her third-place performance the year before.

With her third-place performance this year, she has solidified her position in the annals of GIHS sports as a two-time All-State athlete in two different sports!

At the diving state meet, competitors complete dives 1-5 of varying difficulties in the preliminary event, dives 6-8 in the

semis and dives 9-11 in the finals.

Molnar placed third in the finals with an overall score of 374.00 (14 points better than she dove last year). Addy Buck of East Grand Rapids was second with 390.90, with her teammate, Maria Colombo, the eventual champion with 441.40 score.

What also makes qualifying for the state meet from Grosse Ile even more remarkable is the fact that Grosse Ile doesn’t have a pool.

Admittedly, Molnar and other outstanding swimmers come out of the Grosse Ile Country Club program, but for the prep interscholastic program, swimmers practice at Riverview High School, while divers from Flat Rock, Riverview, Allen Park, and Grosse Ile practice at Allen Park High School.

All the divers at Allen Park are coached by legendary co-coaches Paul Lacroix and his daughter Rachael Hughes. Both coaches agree, “Kaitlyn Molnar is one of the best all-around athletes we have ever coached. She is a great leader in the pool, and a

consummate teammate.

Her work ethic speaks for itself – just look at her success.”

Grosse Ile head swim coach Katie Grzywa further supports Molnar.

“The D3 high school world will miss an amazing athlete as Kaitlyn moves on into her collegiate world where she is sure to shine amongst her peers! At one point, she jumped in and swam a leg of a 4 x 100 freestyle relay because one of our swimmers had to leave during the

Jadie Weatherly and Kaitlyn Molnar

meet – just shows what a great teammate she is. She is capable of anything,” said Grzywa.

“It has been fantastic learning from such a student athlete as Kaitlyn has shown what a true high school athlete embodies. We will miss her dearly!”

For Kaitlyn Molnar, 2 x2 = Formidable.

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December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 23

BY BILL STEVENSON

Grosse Ile High School Athletic Director James Okler and Administrative Assistant Patricia Duffett recently announced the most valuable players for the 2023-2024 fall season.

Director Okler said, “These student-athletes have been awarded the highest honor for their exceptional performance throughout the fall season. Their outstanding skills, strategic gameplay, and unwavering commitment to their team and sport have set new standards and inspired their teammates.

“This prestigious recognition as the Most Valuable Player underscores their exceptional abilities and highlights their leadership role in the achievements of their team. We are very proud to honor these outstanding student athletes.”

THE 2023 FALL SEASON MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS ARE: Boys Cross Country – Jack Fox Girls Cross Country – Alysa Korte Sideline Cheer – Elizabeth Adamczyk Equestrian – Lakely Luton Football – Matthew Pizzo Girls Golf – Hanna Hargrove Boys Soccer – Landon Bourdage and James Duke Girls Swim – Madison Glover

Back Row (L to R): Matthew Pizzo, James Duke, Trent Chlebek, Jack Fox, Chelsea Houghton, Hanna Hargrove Front Row (L to R): Landon Bourdage, Alyssa Korte, Lakely Luton, Elizabeth Adamczyk (Not Pictured: Madison Glover)

Boys Tennis – Trent Chlebek Volleyball – Chelsea Houghton “The Grosse Ile Township Schools extends its heartfelt congratulations to these student-athletes

on this remarkable achievement. The school and the community are immensely proud of your accomplishments and eagerly anticipate your continued success in the seasons to come.”

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December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 25

Welcome back to Main Street

Grosse Ile businesses celebrate return to Macomb Street and new signage

BY DAVE GORGON The owners and operators of two Grosse Ile businesses put an exclamation point on their return to Macomb Street by unveiling new signage obtained with a grant from the Downtown Development Authority.

Krishelle Kohler and Jason Wiley drew a crowd to their Nov. 10 event, which celebrated the location of the Eldercare Home Care Group and their Island House Senior Living, both at 8504 Macomb.

The late-afternoon and evening event included a ribbon cutting, an open house with snacks and spirits, along with entertainment and giveaways.

Participants in the Ladies Night Out on Macomb joined in the festivities.

Kohler, who is a native and resident of Grosse Ile, said the location of

the two businesses is ideal. She has operated Eldercare for owner Julie Hooper and her late husband David Hooper for more than 30 years and she has owned and operated Island House with Wiley for more than 20 years.

Eldercare provides home care, especially for the elderly and the disabled. The staff offers personalized attention for a few hours up to 24-hour care based on a client’s needs, ranging from companionship, those suffering from all forms of Dementia to those under hospice care.

Island House follows in the footsteps of the Coach Stop Manor in Trenton.

The Grosse Ile facility for the elderly provides spacious living, home care options and security for residents.

The Hoopers opened Eldercare in 1989 and Kohler was brought on to manage the company in 1992 right after

graduating from Western Michigan University.

In 2002, Kohler opened Coach Stop Manor in Trenton and later moved to Island House Senior Living on Macomb Street on Grosse Ile. About a year and a half ago, Eldercare moved to Macomb Street and now the companies are at the same location, sharing the same building.

“We enjoy being on Macomb Street and doing these events,” she said.

“Here it’s getting back to my hometown and getting back to Macomb Street. We love Macomb Street. We’re glad to be back.”

Kohler said she successfully applied for the DDA business improvement grant and hired MI Custom Signs, working on the design with the Taylor company. The grant was for up to $5,000 for any company that wanted

to improve its building, landscaping, facade or signage.

“I knew what I wanted,” she said. “I went with black to go with the house.

I saw the new Elizabeth Park sign and thought it looked great.

“We have a new building, a new sign and a reason to have a party.”

More than 100 people were present at the ribbon cutting and many more throughout the event. Kohler thanked representatives of the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber and the Downriver and Detroit Business Association for their support.

For more information about Eldercare, visit the website eldercaremi. com. For more on Island House, visit islandhousegi.com.

To arrange a tour, call Krishelle Kohler at (734) 771-4004.

ADVERTISING INFO CALL 734-282-3939 AND GET RESULTS

Photo by Jim Jacek

Jason Wiley and Krishelle Kohler cut the ribbon, marking the occasion that both Eldercare and Island House Senior Living are at the same location on Macomb Street and unveiling their new sign, which was funded by a grant from the Grosse Ile Downtown Development Authority.

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK – GROSSE ILE GRAND

Page 26 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 27

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Page 28 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

GROSSE ILE GRAND

The soul of Wyandotte’s infant swimming resource

BY SUSAN PINKOWSKI A horrible drowning tragedy struck Erin Petrowski so hard that she totally changed her life.

Prior to this 2016 incident, Erin, a mom of four, worked as a dispatcher for a trucking company. It was a good job, she had good benefits and she’d been there over 22 years. While it was steady, it just wasn’t very fulfilling.

She wanted to do more but how do you give up that security so easily?

Erin’s very close friend, Katrina Hart, was the mom of Temperance, a beautiful four-year-old who drowned at a family/friends’ house party.

Temperance chose to go back into the swimming pool after a bathroom break, instead of heeding directions

to go over to her mom to get back into her flotation device first. We all know how fast something like this can happen, and how the lives of those close by are forever changed.

How do you make sense of something like this? How do you possibly go on?

Katrina and Erin talked often about finding a pool facility that could teach life-saving methods, not just swimming. Their research led them to Infant Swimming Resources (ISR) in Ann Arbor. infantswim.com/splashzone.

Erin decided to take her youngest daughter there for lessons. It was a six-week course, Monday through Friday, for only ten minutes a day.

Yes – just ten minutes.

After that six-week course, though, her now three-year-old was swimming independently, going underwater, jumping in from the side, and whenever she needed air, she would just rotate on her back and float.

All that in less than six hours in total!

While Erin continued to work with the trucking company, she became determined that other children should get this training in lifesaving skills and learn how to survive in the water.

The desire to get involved in ISR almost became an obsession for Erin.

The lady that taught Erin’s daughter, Julia, became Erin’s mentor and suggested she get involved and become a trainer. This idea kept building and evolving and convincing

Erin that this was her new path forward to a more fulfilling life.

The more Erin researched ISR, the more interested she was in bringing this program to Wyandotte.

She learned all she could about the company and then applied online. She had an over-the-phone job interview but then didn’t hear from them for some time. She felt it was vitally important that she make a bigger difference in her career choice and get involved in teaching this skill.

She was relieved when they finally contacted her, but the training they laid out was daunting. She’d have to stay in Grand Rapids for three months at a cost of $11,000!

SEE SOUL, page 29

GROSSE ILE GRAND

December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 29

Continued from page 28 After the initial sticker shock, she soon realized that every penny of that would be worth it to potentially save the lives of toddlers and avoid future tragedies.

Katrina, seeing the success of the ISR program, started a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in Temperance’s honor. She wanted Erin to teach toddlers how to swim using ISR’s successful teaching methods, so this wouldn’t happen to another Downriver family.

The swimming program wasn’t cheap, so she decided to raise money to provide scholarships for families who couldn’t afford the cost.

The Remembering Temperance Foundation was created.

Their website is floatswimsurvive.org. Erin is on the board of Katrina’s non-profit.

Another friend with four children, Nickole Reinhardt, joined in the mission and became the treasurer. They started raising money right away to get the scholarship funded. The first was a mom-tomom sale, where they rented a hall and sold tables.

They’ve also had bowling fundraisers. Yearly, they celebrate Temperance’s birthday with a gift basket raffle and pass out water safety information to those attending.

Thorn Park in Brownstown was the site of the birthday party for two years as well as the site of the big fundraiser. It would be nicer to have these events closer to home in Wyandotte.

The foundation board members have 17 kids between three of them, and none of them knew the details about surviving in water as taught by ISR. Katrina and Erin did more research and found a Facebook group with other families who lost a child to drowning, which is the leading cause of accidental death in children aged 1 to 4.

They were blown away having been parents for so long and not knowing this.

Once the non-profit got started, and raised enough money for the first scholarship, they had a hard time finding someone to take the scholarship and travel to Ann Arbor every day ... for six weeks for a 10-minute daily lesson.

So Erin gave up her secure dispatching job, cashed in her profit sharing, and started training in November of 2018 so Downriver toddlers could have access to this special program. The following January she was certified.

Erin’s first training session was in March 2019 when she taught five toddlers at Romulus Recreation. Eventually Covid hit and things ground to a halt.

She now must rent pool space, which has been the most difficult part in this journey to save lives. She can teach in her home pool in the summer but must rent space in the cooler (and cold!) months.

Right now, her temporary home is at the Flat Rock Community Center. Erin said they are amazingly helpful there and are working well with her. Her concern is every year there is talk about

closing that pool so she never knows if her business will continue.

It’s been a logistical nightmare over the years, from Romulus, to Jefferson Rec, on to Flat Rock.

She lives in Wyandotte and would love to get something in the area but there aren’t any public pools to her knowledge.

She found out the hard way that when you rent pool space, you must adapt to the facility’s schedule, which doesn’t always work out with the clients’ schedules. It’s a lot of juggling.

There are other swimming programs Downriver where you must “level up” which can take years.

What Erin teaches can be learned in only six weeks.

The ISR group has 57 years of science-based research behind their methods.

This program works, as the children are building muscle memory because they’re coming every day for 10 minutes. Through the course of their lessons, they will occasionally practice their skills fully clothed because 80 percent of the accidents happen during non-swim time.

On the last day, Erin will have the parent get in the pool with their child and show them how to work with them to continue practicing on their own.

She has the swimmers come back about 6-8 months after their initial lessons for a two-week refresher, because kids grow at such a rapid rate, she wants to make sure that their float is still successful in a bigger body.

Alternatively, some parents put their children on a maintenance schedule once a week which really results in a more confident swimmer. Once the kids are fully competent, they can move on to more fun things, like learning to snorkel!

Erin now has complete job satisfaction and believes she is making the difference she sought.

The non-profit makes Katrina feel like Temperance’s death wasn’t for naught.

Erin has taught a handful of other families who have been affected by drowning and it’s always a very emotional time.

She usually keeps the kids in the program until they’re about 6, depending on their development.

Then they can move on to bigger things. She has a hard time letting go because she gets attached to these kids! (moms tend to do that).

These two organizations are worth the community’s support and a year-round pool should be located somewhere in the Wyandotte area for this purpose.

Erin’s pool at home could become enclosed and heated which would solve the problem, but she doesn’t have a money tree in her backyard.

This program is guaranteed to save lives.

You can reach Erin through her website, floatswimsurvive.org, via email at e.petrowski@ infantswim.com or call her at 734-231-4231.

Your children will be glad you did!

ADVERTISING INFO CALL 734-282-3939 AND GET RESULTS

SOUL

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Page 30 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

Success story with local roots

Dingell-led Endangered Species Act turns 50

T

he Endangered Species Act was championed by metropolitan Detroit’s very own Congressman John D. Dingell and Senator Harrison Williams of New Jersey and signed into law by President Richard Nixon on December 28, 1973.

It recognizes that both at-risk species and the ecosystems where they live need protection and that endangered and threatened species need worldwide protection through international treaties and conventions. The Center for Biological Diversity calls it one of the world’s most powerful legal tools for protecting species at risk of extinction.

According to the U.S. Department of Interior, which is responsible for endangered species conservation, the act has saved 99 percent of listed species from extinction. It credits this success to the collaborative actions of federal agencies, state, local, and Tribal governments, conservation organizations, and private citizens.

On the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, it is good to reflect on some of its successes here in metropolitan Detroit’s backyard.

BALD EAGLE In the early 1900s, bald eagles were evenly distributed throughout Michigan. The population declined through the mid-1900s due to the loss of nesting habitat and human persecution – largely shooting, poisoning, trapping, and electrocution.

During the 1950s, the birds’ decline accelerated and by the 1970s, they were on the brink of extinction. This period of decline was largely due to the increased use of organochlorine compounds such as DDT and PCBs following the Second World War. Birds exposed to these contaminants suffered reproductive failure, sterility, deformities such as crossed bills and eggshell thinning, altered foraging abilities, increased susceptibility to disease through immune system dysfunction, and in cases of acute poisoning, death.

In response to the ensuing public outcry, Michigan became the first state to ban DDT in 1969. It was banned nationally in 1972. In 1976, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the bird as endangered in the lower 48 states.

Nesting pairs have since increased from 417 in 1963 to 71,400 in 2020. But for over 25 years, starting in the

early 1960s, not a single bald eagle reproduced along the Detroit River and western Lake Erie shoreline. By the late 1980s, their reproductive success increased to the point where there were at least 25 active nests in 2012-2015.

In response to the birds’ recovery across the United States, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service removed the bald eagle from the endangered species list in 2007, although it’s still protected under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. The U.S. Department of Interior notes that “the recovery of the bald eagle is a testament to the effectiveness of the Endangered Species Act in conserving and recovering imperiled species.”

Today, bald eagles can be spotted in metropolitan Detroit on Belle Isle, Humbug Marsh, off Dingell Park in Ecorse during winter, Lake Erie Metropark, Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, and Sterling State Park.

OSPREY Osprey were also heavily impacted by organochlorine compounds following the Second SEE SPECIES, page 33

GROSSE ILE GRAND

Continued from page 32 World War. Monitoring in Michigan showed the population declined precipitously during the 1950s through to the 1970s. By 2002, there was only one active nest in the southern part of the state. In response, ospreys were listed as threatened in Michigan.

They were first reintroduced in metropolitan Detroit in the late 1990s.

The population expanded substantially and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ goal of 30 nesting pairs in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula was achieved in 2010.

In response, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources upgraded osprey from threatened to “species of greatest conservation need” in 2009.

Throughout the United States, it is also still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

Monitoring by a citizen conservation organization called Michigan Osprey has documented 38, 50, and 52 nesting pairs in metropolitan Detroit in 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively.

The Michigan Wildlife Council has noted that “few wildlife restoration programs have been more successful than Michigan’s effort to strengthen the state’s osprey population.”

Today, these birds can be spotted on Belle Isle, at Humbug Marsh and in the wetlands behind Gibraltar’s Carlson High School.

PEREGRINE FALCON Peregrine falcons were similarly decimated by organochlorine compounds during the 1950s. By the 1960s, the birds were experiencing complete reproductive failure in the Detroit River watershed and in the early 1970s, they were listed as endangered.

Peregrine falcons prefer perching and nesting on tall structures such as cliffs, bluffs and skyscrapers where they can scan the horizon for prey.

Following the banning of DDT and

strict limitations on other organochlorine compounds, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources released five young in hacking boxes – wooden boxes designed to simulate nests – in downtown Detroit skyscrapers in 1987.

After a slow start, reproduction picked up and now 30 peregrine young fledge each year throughout metropolitan Detroit.

In 1999, the peregrine falcon soared off the list of federally endangered species.

BirdWatching notes the peregrine falcon’s recovery is one of the

plying the river.

During the mid-1860s their economic value was recognized when their eggs became sought after as caviar and their smoked flesh craved as a delicacy. This led to the development of an important commercial fishery.

During the late 1800s, the waters from Lake Huron to Lake Erie were one of the most productive for lake sturgeon in North America.

Predictably, they experienced a population crash, plummeting to one percent of their former abundance by the middle of the 20th century. The

Endangered Species Act’s most dramatic success stories.

Today, they can be seen at the Fisher Building in Detroit, the Old Main Building at Wayne State University, the Detroit Zoo’s water tower and the Ambassador Bridge to Canada.

cause was overfishing, loss of spawning habitat and water pollution.

From the 1970s to 1999, there were no reports of spawning lake sturgeon in the Detroit River. In response, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources identified it as threatened in the 1990s. Ontario listed it as threatened in the 2000s.

Then in 2001, lake sturgeon spawned on a coal cinder pile near Zug Island in the Detroit River.

Fishery biologists and managers concluded that in the 2000s lake sturgeon reproduction was more limited by habitat than by environmental quality. In response, 10 spawning reefs for lake sturgeon and other rock-loving spawning fishes were constructed in the Detroit River. Today, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fishery biologists

LAKE STURGEON Fishery biologists call lake sturgeon a “living dinosaur” because it thrived when dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Before the 1860s, commercial fishermen slaughtered lake sturgeon as a nuisance fish because they became entangled in nets and because they sucked up spawn.

During this era, lake sturgeon were also stacked like firewood and left to dry on the banks of the Detroit River.

The mummified bodies of these oily fish were burned as fuel in steamboats

estimate the river’s sturgeon population at over 4,400.

Lake sturgeon can live more than 100 years and reach a length of seven feet.

They are considered a good indicator of ecosystem health and are culturally significant to First Nations.

Although not out of the woods, the current size of their population is a promising sign.

The species’ recovery in the Detroit River is a result of the combined influence of the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and strong linkages and efforts among fishery research scientists, fishery managers, and conservation organizations.

A good place to get up close and personal with a lake sturgeon is at the annual Sturgeon Day at Milliken State Park on the Detroit RiverWalk, sponsored by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

REFLECTIONS ON THIS ANNIVERSARY According to the U.S. Department of Interior, the Endangered Species Act has saved hundreds of species from extinction and continues to protect and preserve some of our most beloved animals and plants.

This act has also helped create a better understanding of how human activities can impact ecosystems of at-risk species. It has gifted us an awareness that what we do to our ecosystems we do to ourselves as well as to other species, and a greater appreciation for the need for all of us to work together to protect our ecosystems as our home.

John Hartig is a board member at the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

He serves as a Visiting Scholar at the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research and has written numerous books and publications on the environment and the Great Lakes. Hartig also helped create the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, where he worked for 14 years as the refuge manager.

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December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 33

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Page 34 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

Join us for Congresswoman Dingell’s State of the District Address January 22

F

Ron Hinrichs,

CEO/President SWCRC

ind out about key issues affecting the Downriver region on Monday, January 22, 2024 as Congresswoman Debbie Dingell delivers her annual State of the District Address at the SWCRC Legislative Forum. The discussion with Congresswoman Dingell focuses on important initiatives coming out of Congress that are critical to Downriver’s workforce and job providers. Join us to hear a vital update from one of the most influential members of Congress.

Tickets for the Forum are $25 for members and employees or $40 for nonmembers, and includes a hot breakfast. The program runs from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at Crystal Gardens in Southgate. Local schools are also invited to send a table of 9 students and 1 adult to each forum for free. Any school or individual looking to attend should contact Randy Pilon at rpilon@swcrc.com.

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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GROSSE ILE GRAND

December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 35

Many people - most, perhaps - go to an optometrist, get an eye exam and then follow the lady in the white coat over to the wall of frames and pick out a new set of glasses.

The story ends with the customer paying way more than he or she ever expected.

If that pretty much describes you, Bob Schmittou says there is something you should know: He can save you money, maybe lots of money.

Schmittou, a proud military veteran, owns New Eyes Optical, located on 1616 Ford Avenue, right at 16th Street in Wyandotte.

There are no doctors at New Eyes, just lots of frames and Schmittou, who can get you into fashionable new glasses for a lot less than all of the other chains and franchises out there.

Just bring your eyeglass prescription to him and see what kind of magic he can work for you.

“I am kind of like what the pharmacy is to your doctor,” Schmittou said. “Your doctor writes you a prescription. He doesn’t try to sell you the drugs. You go to the pharmacy. The same is true with us. You bring us a prescription and we will fill it.”

New Eyes Optical does not accept insurance, but their low prices mean that is often not an issue.

Schmittou has been in the eyeglass game for a long time. He enlisted in the Army after graduating from Lincoln Park High School and Uncle Sam sent him to school to learn how to make eyeglasses.

He did that in the Army for nearly four years and then worked for Lenscrafters and for private doctors after that.

In 2012 he opened New Eyes Optical and has been there ever since.

Schmittou said he has over 2,000 frames in his building and can make arrangements to get others if customers come in with a specific brand or style in mind.

For sunglass lovers, Schmittou said he has the largest selection of Ray Ban and Oakley sunglasses in the area.

If you come in, you will deal with Schmittou himself. He and his wife Pam are the only employees. Schmittou does the fitting of the eyewear, and Pam orders frames and keeps the shop looking fresh by arranging the frame displays and decorating.

So, if you are in the market for new glasses, would like a little personal attention and a really low price, give Schmittou a call at 313-587-4204, drop an email at neweyesoptical2012@gmail. com or contact them through their Facebook page, Facebook.com/neweyesoptical.

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Page 36 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

GROSSE ILE GRAND

NEWS FROM OUR NEIGHBORS Go to... GoBigMultimedia.com to read more news on our digital publications. from the community as the measure passed by far better than 2-to-1 margin, as 2,121 voted to pass the measure and 826 voted against.!

On page 1 gobigmultimedia.com/riverview-register Mayor Swift wins re-election Webb, O’Neil and Pray win spots on City Council ... Swift, a former Riverview Community School District school board member and a former city councilman, was elected to a third term as mayor by defeating Councilman Chuck Norton by a little over 150 votes.

Swift topped Norton 1,614 votes to 1,459.

“I am honored and humbled by all the support I’ve received during this election. I look forward to working with the new council members and moving our beloved Riverview forward through the challenging times ahead,” said the newly re-elected Mayor.

...The voters also elected three council members – Brian Webb, Suzzanne O’Neil and David Pray.

Webb led all council vote-getters with 1,785 votes, O’Neil had 1,575 and Pray had 1,280. Former longtime councilman Elmer Trombley (1,031 votes), Nicole Clark (1,028) and Heather Smiley (980) failed to win election.

The general election drew just 36.6 percent of Riverview’s registered voters to the polls. The city has 8,546 registered voters and 3,125 of them voted in the election.

Another question on the Nov. 7 ballot was a proposal to extend the Sinking Fund for the school district. That fund, which helps pay for things like new HVAC systems, enjoyed overwhelming support

WEB welcomes sixth-graders to Seitz Seitz Middle School welcomed its incoming sixth-grade class with a group of students called WEB Leaders. WEB stands for Where Everybody Belongs.

The core belief of WEB is that the actions of few can positively alter the outcomes of many.

The transition from elementary school to middle school can be stressful for some. To help start their journey here at Seitz on a positive note, every sixth-grade student is paired with two eighth-grade mentors. The mentors will be trained in several topics, such as stress management, managing peer relationships and academic goal setting.

We believe that positive relationships define the culture of a school. WEB reinforces the vision of Riverview Community Schools – “One community, every day, charting their course the Pirate way.”...

On page 5 Riverview is Spook-tacular!

gobigmultimedia.com/southgate-star Southgate is officially a Purple Heart City On Nov. 1, Mayor Joseph Kuspa read a proclamation paying tribute and declaring the city’s utmost respect for veterans who earned the Purple Heart medal when they were injured or killed during wartime.

The city scheduled a ceremony for eight days later in which a Purple Heart flag would be raised on a new flagpole in the city’s Veterans Memorial outside the Southgate Memorial Library.

A POW-MIA flag would be moved to its own flagpole.

Further, a parking spot in the city’s municipal complex would be designated for use by Purple Heart recipients, the Mayor said.

“We want to promote the fact that we have some brave men and women who lost their lives and have become injured during battle,” Kuspa said.

“This is true to Southgate – something we’re proud to do.”...

On page 1 Ooooh, that’s scary!

On pages 18-19

GROSSE ILE GRAND

December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024 • Page 37

Fun at Market Center Park There was music, there were games, there were cool old cars and there was – of course! – lots and lots of candy handed out as the city of Southgate

the city, students from Trenton Public Schools are distributing our envelope door-to-door on Saturday, Nov. 18.

There is no donation too big or too small; every little bit truly helps...

On page 3

celebrated Halloween a little early with a Trunk or Treat event at Market Center Park on Oct. 15. The event was part of HarvestFest, sponsored by the city of Southgate and Gloss Labs Detailing. Scores of people turned out, most of them decked out in their Halloween finest.

On page 1

gobigmultimedia.com/trenton-times Trenton Goodfellows Charitable children’s organization seeks community help ...On behalf of the Trenton Goodfellows, I wish you a Merry Christmas and ask for your continued support of our mission to ensure that no child in the City of Trenton goes without a Christmas.

We have all been through some very challenging and difficult times as of late, but we have successfully helped many families with children over the last 90-plus years. We could not have accomplished our mission without the very generous help of our community.

Please find it in your heart to help us deliver a Merry Christmas again this year to those children who could use some extra joy this season.

There is an envelope inserted into this edition of our annual paper, and in addition, to make sure we cover

‘No child without a Christmas’ Stories highlight the history of one of the community’s oldest service groups, which dates back to the mid-1920s. Joining men in communities across the country, local city and business leaders, many of whom had paper routes in their youth, ‘sold’ a newspaper on street corners in exchange for donations.

Looking back at the group’s nine decades of service, Goodfellows president, Trish Gearhart, is proud of the fact that organizers have evolved with the times to keep the tradition alive.

As the years went by, residents of all ages got involved in many aspects of the holiday mission.

Local students delivered the papers door-to-door, women took an active role in the process, businesses welcomed Goodfellows to sell the paper at their entrances, preschools collected coins to provide turkeys, there were marathon shopping days for toys, and crafty residents created special gifts to tuck in the baskets, which were packed by Scouts and senior groups...

On page 7

gobigmultimedia.com/wyandotte-warrior Honored to serve Wyandotte Veterans Honor Guard at Veterans Day ceremony ... The cemetery is considered a national shrine that is the final resting place for more than 61,000 veterans and their dependents. Opened on October

Wyandotte resident Tom Rushman, who served as coordinator of the month for the honor guard, said members of the group are also part of several veterans organizations, such as the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Marine Corps League. The men and women travel from throughout the region to their assigned funeral home or cemetery.

Their main role is to provide military honors at veterans’ funerals – as many as 150 to 200 a year and often several a day, Rushman said. Arrangements usually are made for honorably discharged servicemen and servicewomen surviving family members through funeral homes. All honor guard members are volunteers. Each service lasts about 15 minutes, he said...

On page 1 Washington fourth-grader wins Wyandotte Public Power coloring contest ...Evie Dmitruchina was presented with the award at a Wyandotte City Council meeting in October.

Andrea Haggerty, assistant to the general manager for municipal services, said the contest was held during the first week of October, which is “Public Power Week.”

Haggerty distributed 1,200 coloring sheets to Wyandotte students in first through fourth grades.

Evie’s winning entry was on display on the first floor of City Hall and was on the cable television screen during the council meeting.

As the winner, Evie received a congratulatory certificate, a $50 Amazon gift card provided by the MMEA and a basket of art supplies.

Her fourth-grade class, taught by Stacey Kupser, will receive a tour of the power plant in December when students will receive an “arcs and sparks demonstration,” get a close look at the fleet of vehicles “touch a truck” style and enjoy lunch during the class visit....

On page 3

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17, 2005, Great Lakes is scheduled for further expansion, officials announced during the ceremony.

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Page 38 • December 12, 2023 — January 10, 2024

GROSSE ILE GRAND

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